Central Asia. The 5 -Stans. A region of wild mountains, hospitable nomads, and endless bumpy marthrutka rides. It’s one of the best hiking regions in Asia, or even the world for that matter, but don’t expect much in the way of infrastructure or signage – prepare to be self-reliant and sort out all the logistics yourself.
Pick up most recent Lonely Planet: Central Asia guidebook to start planning your trip.
Kazakhstan: Charyn Canyon Казахстан: Чарынский каньон Charyn Canyon is a unique semi-desert valley cut against the bed of the Charyn River. One of the most popular tourist outings from Almaty, these lovely landscapes are often compared to the Grand Canyon in the US. It’s an essential destination for hiking in […]
Kyrgyzstan: Adygene Glacier Loop Кыргызстан: Ледник Адыгень The Adygene Glacier Loop is a beautiful alternative to the more popular trekking routes inside Ala Archa National Park – a small but picturesque glacial lake and variety of both trekking and climbing peaks make this under-explored side of the park great for […]
Kazakhstan: Kolsai Lakes National Park Казахстан: Кольсайские озера Kazakhstan’s Kolsai Lakes truly earn the nickname ‘Pearls of the Tien Shan’ – a fact you’ll understand immediately when Kolsai Lake I first comes into view. Easily the highlight of the Kolsai Lakes National Park in southeastern Kazakhstan, the trek between […]
Uzbekistan: Sentyab Ridge Loop Ўзбекистон: Хребта Сентяб The Sentyab Ridge Loop offers fine landscapes and a fair bit of cultural interest in an easy-half day package great for casual hikers or as a warm up to more challenging routes in the village. Total Km: 9km Total Days: 1 Elevation Gain/Loss: […]
Kyrgyzstan: Kol Tor Lake (Kegety) Кыргызстан: Кол Тор Кегеты Kol Tor Lake is one of the most popular weekend treks for residents of Bishkek – a beautiful walk through pine forests and beneath craggy peaks ends at an aggressively turquoise mountain lake that’s easy to love. Total Km: 10km Total […]
Tajikistan: Sarez Lake Trek Таджикистан: Сарезское озеро Among Tajikistan’s largest lakes, Lake Sarez was formed by disaster: in 1911 a 7.4 magnitude earthquake rocked the Bartang Valley, rattling down the entire face of the mountain, blocking the Murghab River with what is now known as the Usoi Dam. As years […]